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I’d like to grow pots of herbs to share with friends and family at Christmas.

What varieties can you suggest that are durable... will be useful and attractive in 2-1/2 months time..

I have space and containers.. but our old house can be drafty but I have wide window ledges or whatever is required.

Since it is now October and Christmas is in 2 1/2 months, you will not be able to grow anything other than annuals to a reasonable size in this time. If you have a south window you can try some annuals, but without such a window, I would suggest you get a double light, four foot flourescent light fixture and grow them there . Most herbs require a lot of light and our winters are very low on that.

Chives may work, since they are presentable even if not all that big. One of the quickest growers is basil, but it won’t like it if the house is cold and drafty and for this reason may just germinate and then sit and sulk.

Dill, summer savory and the herbs in our "Chef’s Salad Bouquet" seed collection should be OK. Cilantro must be kept cool to germinate properly and should do well as a last minute addition to your gifts. It does not last long though.

Have you considered bying a large plant of some of the perennial herbs and propagating cuttings from them for your gifts? This would work well for thyme, water cress and oregano.

Check our web-site www.richters.com

Seeding rates and dates to maturity for selected herbs can be found in the Commercial section under Pro-Growers Info.